The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is facing intense scrutiny from lawmakers due to its reluctance to hire educators over the age of 45.
During a discussion prompted by Soy MP David Kiplagat, several MPs voiced their concerns, urging the TSC to appear before the Education Committee to clarify the prolonged delays in hiring these experienced teachers. Kiplagat emphasized that even those nearing retirement should be considered for employment, given their qualifications.
He stated, “Honourable Speaker, I request a detailed report from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education regarding the number of registered teachers over 45 who remain unemployed, including their graduation years, registration dates, current ages, and geographical distribution.”
Kiplagat further called for an account of how many teachers over 45 were included in the recent recruitment, the efforts being made to implement affirmative action for this age group, and the TSC’s plans to reform the recruitment process to prevent further delays in hiring and late entries into the profession.
In response, Education Committee Chairperson and Tinderet MP Julius Melly announced plans to summon the TSC to address these pressing issues. He noted, “This matter has been a focal point for the education committee, as many qualified teachers have been sidelined due to the 45-year age limit. Even a brief employment period is crucial for these educators.”
This request for clarification comes on the heels of the TSC facing criticism for the recent promotion of 151,611 teachers, with allegations that those scoring 80 percent in interviews were favored over those achieving perfect scores.
In Parliament, Kiplagat lamented that despite a 2019 ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court declaring the 45-year age cap unconstitutional and discriminatory—violating the right to non-discrimination and denying qualified teachers the chance to work until the retirement age of 60—the TSC has yet to comply with this directive.
He expressed disappointment that many trained and registered teachers aged 45 and older continue to face discrimination in hiring. “This group has persistently applied for positions, fulfilling all recruitment criteria, yet they remain overlooked. This is particularly troubling given Kenya’s acute teacher shortage, with over 110,000 vacancies reported in 2023, including a deficit of 72,422 teachers in junior secondary schools alone, while more than 350,000 qualified teachers, many over 45, remain unemployed.”
Kiplagat concluded by urging the TSC to take affirmative action and provide these experienced educators with job opportunities before they reach the mandatory retirement age of 60, as their exclusion from recruitment has led to growing frustration and hopelessness.
